Ok; so he's a cadet. A freshman; aka "C4C" is allowed to have cell phones. It's just that each squadron has their own rules as to "WHEN" they are allowed. A lot will depend on your friend's flight and squadron. Whether they perform well or not. Whether their upper class cadets feel that they have "Earned" the privilege of having their cell phones. Some C4C received their cell phones back the 1st day after graduating BCT. (Basic Cadet Training). Others received their cell phone back on labor day weekend. So received them later. Same with many other privileges such as computer monitors, printers, and any number of other items. Each squadron is different.
When my son went to BCT, all trainees were required to turn in their cell phones. Being a recruited athlete, my son's football coach "Snatched" all of their cell phones from them PRIOR to in-processing. Then, when the trainees get their mid-training day off; (Doolie day out); most cadets go to their sponsor's house and they take turns using their phone to call home. The football players don't really have a sponsor family. They do, they just don't really use them. Instead, they went to the coaches houses. At which time, the coach already charged up all their phones the day before and let them all have their phones. Then, when doolie day was over, he collected up all their phones and help onto them again. A little bit of a perk? Yes. Then, after graduating BCT, "A-Day"; my son's squadron told them all they could have their phones immediately.
Each squadron is different. Each privilege is different. "Remember; a cell phone is a privilege, not a right". During the school year, cadets are authorized to carry their cell phones in their pockets in case of an accident or medical emergency. However; don't let your cell phone ring while in formation or class. Don't even want to discuss that. Hope that sort of explains that it's a squadron by squadron thing.